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OBEYD,    THE  CAMEL  DRIVER 


BY 

ISAAC    BASSETT    CHOATK 


The  camel  driver  has  his  thoughts,  and  the 
camel  —  he  has  his  thoughts 

—Arabic  Proverb 


NEW    YORK 
HOME    JOURNAL    PRINT 

1899 


Copyright,  18«9,  by  ISAAC  BASSKTT  CHOATE 


PS 


To  her  the  beaming  of  whose  tender  eyes 
Tells  what  beyond  the  power  of  language  lies, 

Whose  dear  companionship  through  desert  place 
Of  all  the  desert  makes  a  paradise. 


762877 


CONTENTS 

OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 
THE  CAMEL  DRIVER'S  THOUGHTS 
THE  CAMEL'S  THOUGHTS 

FROM   THE   DESERT 
WELL  OF  PARTING 
EL  TEKBIR 
SID  BEL  ABBAS 
KOSHAIRA 

BELFRY  OF  ALEPPO 
THE  DESERT  STREAM 

ZULElKA 

THE  PHANTOM  TRAIN 


THE   CAMEL   DRIVER'S   THOUGHTS 


WHAT  gems  and  pearls  by  camel  train  are  brought, 
Sweet  breath  of  roses,  mantles  richly  wrought  1 

For  those  who  loiter  in  life's  market-place 
The  driver  brings  companionable  thought. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS 


I 

I  CROSS  the  desert  as  men  cross  the  sea, 
A  long,  lone  journey  traveled  silently; 

With  nothing  beautiful  the  heart  to  cheer 
But  thoughts  of  Allah, — Allah's  thought  of  me. 

II 

Two  friends  stand  talking  in  the  city  gates, 
One  goes  abroad,  at  home  the  other  waits ; 

To  which  the  better  fortune,  who  can  tell  ? 
In  wiser  hand  than  ours  lie  human  fates. 

Ill 

The  time  is  come  the  last  farewell  to  say, 

With  prayers  must  friend  speed  friend  upon  his  way  j 

We  're  parting  now,  and  none  but  Allah  knows 
If  this  our  present  parting  be  for  aye. 


10  OBfiYD,    THE    C'AMKL    DK1VEK 

IV 

A  sad  leave-taking  at  the  parting  well,— 

One  braves  the  desert's  dangers  weird  and  fell 

Back  turns  the  other  to  a  lonely  home, 
And  Allah  goes  with  both, — how  strange  to  tell ! 

V 

This  march  across  the  desert  waste  begun, 
The  stars  will  guide  by  night,  by  day  the  sun ; 

But  backward  o'er  that  track  both  day  and  night 
To  home  and  friends  will  Thought  unerring  run. 

VI 

Love  joins  us  with  so  fair  a  tale  to  tell 
We  travel  with  him  under  magic  spell, 

Nor  think  to  ask  our  dear  companion's  name 
Before  he  turns  aside  and  says,  "  Farewell  I " 

VII 

Since  of  our  earthly  lot  is  nothing  sure 
Except  that  earthly  joys  may  not  endure, 

At  every  stage  what  better  course  to  take 
Than  try  to  make  our  present  joy  secure  ? 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  11 

VIII 

Not  to  enjoy  the  vain  and  fugitive, 
To  taste  fair  fruits  the  smiling  seasons  give, 
But  griefs  and  losses  bravely  to  endure, 
This  is  to  live  and  deeply  feel  we  live. 

IX 

These  camels,  forced  their  heavy  loads  to  bear, 
O  'er  native  sands  by  paths  familiar  fare ; 

But  he  who  drives,  a  stranger  and  alone, 
Himself  by  Fate  is  driven  he  knows  not  where. 


Worn  desert  paths,  in  sandy  furrows  seen, 
From  gardens  lead  to  other  gardens  green, 

As  human  lives  lead  out  from  regions  blest 
To  others  blest, — but  oh,  the  dust  between  1 

XI 

From  morning's  calm  to  quietude  of  eve 
Slow  moving  camels  dusty  courses  weave, — 

From  birth  to  death  we  fret  life's  dusty  plain, 
And  at  our  death  how  little  dust  we  leave  I 


18  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

XII 

Trails  cross  but  once  however  long  they  be, 
As  ship  hails  ship  but  once  upon  the  sea, 

Let  then  there  be  fair  greeting  and  God-speed 
Between  each  passing  traveler  and  me. 

XIII 

We  needs  must  part,  we  who  have  strangely  met 
Halfway  between  where  rise  the  stars  and  set; 

We  needs  must  part,  athwart  our  courses  run, 
We'll  say  good-bye  and  nevermore  forget. 

XIV 

The  paths  we  take  this  way  and  that  divide, 
We  follow  them  till  as  the  desert  wide ; 

And  yet,  perchance,  these  paths  may  join  again, 
And  we  be  comrades  on  the  further  side. 

XV 

Eternity  is  long  and  Allah  can 

At  leisure  form  and  execute  His  plan, 

But  time  is  short,  —  the  time  wherein  to  learn 
To  do  one's  duty  to  his  fellow-man. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  13 

XVI 

As  sailors  watch  the  stars  upon  the  sea 
So  on  our  desert  stages  travel  we, 

Not  knowing  that,  whatever  course  we  take, 
Along  that  selfsame  path  comes  Destiny. 

XVII 

"  This,  too,  will  pass,"  the  Persian  proverb  saith, 
This  weal  or  woe,  as  goes  the  zephyr's  breath; 

Be  fortune  good  or  ill.  it  travels  past — 
Not  so  goes  past  inevitable  Death. 

XVIII 

Love  draws  for  us  the  line  of  duty  straight 
Across  the  sands  of  life  to  further  gate, 

Love  goes  the  way  to  guide  our  erring  steps 
To  where  for  us  do  patient  angels  wait. 

XIX 

The  sun  at  night  goes  to  his  tent  of  red, 
With  darkness  is  the  desert  overspread ; 

So  deeply  dark  the  curtain  that  is  drawn 
At  last  between  the  living  and  the  dead. 


14  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

XX 

Within  the  empty  silence  of  the  night 
When  all  except  the  heavens  is  shut  from  sight, 
Then  may  we  hear  the  singing  of  the  stars — 
A  music  shed  from  their  celestial  height. 

XXI 

How  Hope's  fair  promise  round  about  us  lies 
As  far  horizon  bounds  the  earth  and  skies, 

And  as  that  line  moves  on  with  our  advance 
So,  while  we  follow,  Hope  before  us  flies. 

XXII 

With  cries  of  men  are  daily  stages  passed, 
We  tent  at  night  in  silence  deep  and  vast ; 

With  noisy  striving  we  push  on  through  life, 
The  tranquil  cypress  shelters  us  at  last. 

XXIII 

Through  evening's  falling  shade  do  stars  grow  bright, 
And  desert  skies  hang  lower  in  the  night ; 

Amid  the  doubt  and  gloom  of  troubled  days 
Fair  peace  of  Heaven  shows  nearer  mortal  sight. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  15 

XXIV 

Bright  shining  stars  remain  unseen  by  day, 
Night  makes  them  visible  by  softest  ray ; 

And  so  it  is  the  smiling  of  a  friend 
The  brighter  shines  seen  on  the  darker  way. 

XXV 

As  stars  upon  celestial  pastures  are 
Steadfast  and  fixed,  each  by  its  neighbor  star, 

So  on  the  sand  the  moving  caravan 
Seems  motionless,  watched  by  us  from  afar. 

XXVI 

Fair  Shiraz  boasts  that  Allah's  gifts  are  shed 
On  her,  few  glories  o'er  the  desert  spread ; 

Why  need  more  stars  be  shown  us  in  the  night 
While  countless  are  those  shining  overhead  ? 

XXVII 

When  I  behold  day's  monarch  set  or  rise, 
Reflect  what  glory  then  around  me  lies, 

And  try  to  feign  what  heaven  is  like,  I  think 
That  desert  is  some  part  of  Paradise. 


16  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL,    DRIVES 

XXVIII 

With  wings  of  flame  do  clouds  of  evening  sweep 
Across  the  sky  as  ships  across  the  deep ; 

Within  that  glow  of  sunset  angels  stand 
To  guard  the  world  below  them,  fast  asleep. 

XXIX 

We  dream  of  music  in  the  silent  night, 
We  dream  of  beauty  where  there  is  no  light ; 

To  those  who  rest  within*  the  tent  of  green 
These  dreams  are  real  to  hearing  and  to  sight. 

XXX 

Were  we  all  hours  of  life  with  sunlight  blessed, 
Did  never  sun  go  down  behind  the  west, 

How  many  other  worlds  were  never  known  I 
How  many  suns  besides  were  never  guessed  I 

XXXI 

O  realm  of  peace,  where  light  and  glory  meet  I 
O  realm  of  beauty,  glad  with  angel  feet ! 

Ye  clouds  above  the  desert's  darkening  plain, 
Whereon  hath  Allah  placed  his  Mercy  Seat  I 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  17 

XXXII 

In  her  own  shadow  Night  goes  by,  and  then 
Comes  genial  light  of  day  to  waking  men ; 

But  since  the  dead  wake  not  from  their  long  sleep 
For  them  the  day  will  never  break  again. 

XXXIII 

In  search  of  Allah  men  unhappy  stray 
On  arid  wastes  of  thought  day  after  day, 

To  find,  alas  I  o'erwearied  with  their  toil, 
They  left  him  when  they  started  on  their  way. 

XXXIV 

In  market-place,  in  city  gates  one  hears 
Opinions  variable  as  hopes  and  fears, 

From  youth  to  age  do  moods  of  people  change, 
But  Truth  is  changeless  through  revolving  years. 

XXXV 

By  day  around  us  ambient  light  is  shed, 
By  night  do  faithful  stars  watch  overhead, 

The  heavens  remain  unchanged  throughout  the  years, 
While  earth  slips  from  us  as  its  paths  we  tread. 


18       OBEYD,  THE  CAMEL  DKIYER 

XXXV 

We  fold  our  tents  soon  as  the  day's  begun, 
We  pitch  our  tents  soon  as  the  day  is  done ; 

The  same  horizon  girdling  all  around 
Shows  us  how  nearly  birth  and  death  are  one. 

XXXVII 

The  rising  and  the  setting  stars  are  dim, 
Seem  farthest  off,  seen  near  the  desert's  rim ; 

Deep  awe  of  Allah  wakens  in  the  soul 
With  wakening  thought  that  'tis  a  part  of  Him. 

XXXVIII 

Look  at  the  stars— how  steadily  they  keep 
Appointed  way  while  heaven's  blue  vault  they  sweep  I 

See  then  how  man  goes  stumbling  in  the  dark— 
For  such  a  life  as  this  should  mortals  weep  ? 

XXXIX 

Man's  spirit,  offspring  of  the  Over-soul, 
Flies  to  its  source  as  runner  to  the  goal 

But  all  the  dead  bring  no  access  of  gain, — 
The  parts  can  add  no  greatness  to  the  whole. 


THJE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  19 

XL 

We  judge  of  distances  by  shade  and  light, 
Correct  by  day  uncertain  guess  at  night ; 

Who  says  that  he  stands  near  by  Allah's  side 
Has  failed  to  judge  supernal  glories  right. 

XLI 

I  cannot  answer  Where  is  wisdom  found  ? 
Nor  where  unfailing  joys  of  life  abound  ? 
But  faithful  camels  lead  me  to  the  spot 
Where  running  waters  slake  the  parched  ground. 

XLir 

Where  in  the  burning  sand  deep  waters  spring 
Bloom  oleanders,  happy  sparrows  sing ; 

So  when  the  deepest  feelings  flood  the  soul 
Diviner  thoughts  those  hidden  currents  bring. 

XLIII 

A  well  of  water  in  the  thirsty  ground 
And  groups  of  waving  palm  trees  stand  around ; 

Let  hope  but  spring  afresh  in  desert  lives 
And  all  the  world  a  paradise  is  found. 


20  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DK1VER 

XLIV 

Alone  we  journey  on,  day  after  day, 
My  camel  and  myself,  a  lonely  way, 

Where  even  Echo  shrinks  to  set  her  foot 
Or  let  her  lips  repeat  the  words  I  say. 

XLV 

A  sea  of  desert  sand  about  me  spread, 
All  life  of  beast,  of  bird,  of  insect,  fled, 
I  deem  myself  alone,  but  Afrit  form 
Warns  me  not  even  desert  sand  is  dead. 

XLVI 

The  world  of  sense  fits  well  the  world  of  mind, 
Man  shares  a  wider  life  than  of  mankind, 

From  desert's  empty  floor  we  gather  truth 
More  than  in  city's  crowded  street  we  find. 

XLV1I 

Poor  thorny  shrub  half -starved  in  desert  spot 
Gains  there  a  sweetness  garden  rose  hath  not, 

From  desert  bitterness  of  lonely  life 
The  soul  distils  sweet  frankincense  of  thought. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  21 

XLVIII 

What  shouts  of  joy  where  Victory  folds  her  wings, 
Where  host  triumphant  grateful  paean  sings  I 

But  oh !  the  bitterness  of  mute  despair 
'Mid  broken  ranks  of  poor  heart-broken  things  I 

XLIX 

To  him  who  boldly  takes  the  battlefield 
Heaven  will  extend  its  all-protecting  shield, 

And  if  he  enter  service  of  the  Bight 
For  him  are  books  of  Fate  once  more  unsealed. 

L 

A  friend  we  beg  that  Allah  will  bestow, 
Some  fortune,  too,  that  we  good-will  may  show ; 

But,  if  to  envious  Fate  this  seem  too  much, 
All  but  the  friend  we'll  cheerfully  forego. 

LI 

Few  friends  suffice  us  while  the  way  is  won, 
We  pitch  our  tents  alone  the  day  is  done ; 
But  sad  were  coming  to  the  end  of  life 
And  finding  there  the  lack  of  even  one. 


2t  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

UI 

However  short  or  long  the  journey  made, 
My  camel  halts  beneath  each  friendly  shade ; 

Along  its  dusty  way  let  mortal  life 
At  every  hour  of  gladness  be  delayed. 

LIII 

Six  days  for  toiling  in  the  field  or  mart. 
Six  days  for  travel  and  laborious  art, 

The  seventh,  a  halting  on  life's  desert  road, 
Our  fathers  called  "  the  Besting  of  the  Heart." 

LIV 

Hose  bushes  pass  the  winter  stripped  and  bare, 
With  spring's  green  dress  white  roses  gaily  wear ; 

Why  cannot  we  as  patiently  await 
Our  coming  joys,  nor  yield  to  dark  despair? 

LV 

How  blest  the  happy  man  who  wisely  knows 
To  use  such  gifts  as  Allah's  hand  bestows, 

And  what  that  hand  may  prudently  withhold 
Without  one  least  repining  thought  foregoes ! 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  23 

LVI 

Beneath  a  flaming  sun  day  after  day, 
Beneath  the  moon  at  night  we  make  our  way ; 

Were  in  our  path  a  glowworm  to  appear, 
The  glowworm  were  more  marvelous  than  they. 

LVII 

The  false  mirage,  with  show  of  waters  cool, 
Turns  thirsty  desert  spot  to  seeming  pool, 

Thus  Fortune  spreads  a  vain  alluring  show 
To  cheat  the  fancy  of  unthinking  fool 

LVIII 

The  gifts  of  fickle  Fortune  quickly  bring 
Such  empty  praise  as  flattering  poets  sing, 

The  man  that  wisely  rules  his  heart's  desires 
Is  by  the  suffrage  of  mankind  their  king. 

LIX 

Blame  Fortune  not  for  life's  depleted  store, 
She  takes  not  save  what  she  had  given  before ; 
Count  gains  and  losses  you  shall  surely  find 
Though  much  she  takes  away  she  gives  yet  more. 


24  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVES 

LX 

While  solid  rock  is  shattered  by  a  blow 
In  safety  lie  smooth  polished  sands  below, — 

Proud  sovereign  Khaliff  trembles  for  his  throne, 
Not  any  fear  poor  camel  drivers  know. 

LX1 

Oh,  why  should  Allah  have  so  much  regard 
For  man,  and  deem  his  loss  of  Eden  hard  1 

Go  into  exile  with  Humanity, 
Do  all  for  love,  do  nothing  for  reward  I 

LXII 

Across  the  burning  sand  with  padded  tread 
My  patient  camel  shambles  on  ahead, 

That  track  together  with  my  sandalled  steps 
Will  with  to-morrow's  dust  be  overspread. 

LXIII 

On  desert  sand  where  fierce  the  sunbeams  burn, 
From  moving  shade  our  destiny  we  learn  ; 

"  I  come  and  go,"  the  sun  says,  "  every  day, 
But  when  goes  man  'tis  never  to  return." 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  25 

LXIV 

Upon  the  desert's  distant,  sloping  rim 
An  empty  city  rises,  vast  but  dim ; 

The  city  of  the  dead ; — one  thither  fares 
A  cheerful  way,  doth  Allah  go  with  him  I 

LXV 

Men  tell  of  ghostly  trains  by  phantoms  led 
That  make  the  desert  way  with  noiseless  tread, 

At  night  these  bring  from  Islam's  farthest  bounds 
To  Mecca's  holier  soil  the  Moslem  dead. 

LXVI 

"  Now  have  we  seen  the  pageantry  of  earth, 
Its  pomp  of  sorrow  and  its  mime  of  mirth !" 

My  soul  exclaims,  nor  yet  observes  the  while 
The  grim,  gaunt  figure  crouching  at  our  hearth. 

LXVII 

Should'st  thou,  my  Soul,  with  tears  and  prayers  implore 
Beyond  thy  doom  one  day  of  life  the  more, 

Those  prayers  and  weeping  would  be  all  in  vain ; 
Unpitying  keeper  has  thy  days  in  store. 


26  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

LXVIII 

How  oft  before  their  mortal  dwelling  stand 
Dear  Life  and  Soul  together,  hand  in  hand; 
Watch  flight  of  angel  on  his  glad  return, 
With  exile  longings  for  their  native  land  I 

x, 
LXIX 

Were  all  bright  things  within  our  world  to  know 
The  overshadowing  cloud  of  human  woe, 

Would  not  that  knowledge  some  fair  brightness  dim, 
And  all  our  world  be  made  the  darker  so  ? 

LXX 

One  selfsame  path  all  enter  on  at  birth, 
With  equal  pace  advance  to  shame  or  worth, — 

In  crash  of  battle,  with  lone  pestilence, 
Death's  herald  cries  his  empire  through  the  earth. 

v  LXXI 

Proud  waving  fronds  the  palm  lifts  to  the  skies. 
The  storm  is  o'er,  a  log  the  palm  tree  lies, — 

Proud  rich  man  dreams  of  greater  fortune  yet, 
And  in  that  feverish  dream  of  his  he  dies. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  27 

LXXII 

The  lives  of  men  are  cheap  where  heroes  die, 
So  many  offer  theirs,  so  few  to  buy ; 

But  let  one  ask  the  price  on  fields  of  peace 
And  he  will  find  that  lives  are  rated  high. 

Lxxm 

Bloodhounds  of  war,  strong-jawed,  know  not  release, 
Loud-clattering  mills  of  war  will  never  cease  ; 
The  shepherd  never  pasture  flocks  of  sheep 
Nor  pitch  his  tent  upon  the  skirts  of  Peace. 

LXXIV 

To  leave  all  that  is  worth  the  living  for, 
To  come  back  to  the  cypress-shaded  or 

To  find  in  foreign  land  a  nameless  grave, 
This  is  the  fortune  joined  with  glorious  war. 

LXXV 

The  victors  in  the  fight  a  captive  hold, 
They  offer  him  his  life  for  sum  of  gold  ; 

The  balance  of  that  life  he  cannot  know, 
The  price  of  ransom  easily  is  told. 


28  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

LXXVI 

Upon  the  battlefield  the  victor  saith, 

"  To  you  is  life  given  back  for  change  of  faith ; " 

In  bargain  of  so  simple  terms  it  seems 
The  honest,  free  man's  choice  were  surely  death. 

LXXVII 

My  longing  climbs  the  steep  and  rugged  way 
Where  riders  spur  their  horses  to  the  fray ; 

A  helpless  prisoner  of  Fate  am  I  — 
The  heart's  beloved  is  fairest  when  away ! 

LXXVIII 

Snow  on  the  mountain,  on  the  thirsty  plain 
Is  soft  and  cooling  touch  of  gentle  rain ; 

"We  've  disappointment  to  weigh  down  our  pride, 
Sweet  ministries  of  love  to  soothe  our  pain. 

LXXIX 

One  fancies  what  we  commonly  behold, 
Another  fancies  what  is  quaint  or  old ; 
If  there  were  not  diversity  of  taste 
The  potter's  ugly  jar  were  never  sold. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  29 

LXXX 

A  gem  in  golden  setting  richly  wrought 
May  with  the  ransom  of  a  king  be  bought, 
But  if  my  taste  mislike  the  showy  thing 
The  showy  thing  is  rightly  valued  nought. 

LXXXI 

The  g'.ow  of  wine,  the  savor  of  rich  food, 
The  sheen  of  silk,  the  grace  of  womanhood, 

The  pomp  of  wealth,  unmeaning  shouts  of  fame, 
To  worldly-minded  these  are  all  their  good. 

LXXXII 

Where  comes  a  soul  all  radiant  and  fair, 
Its  veil  of  purity  preserved  with  care, 

It  matters  nought— the  body's  lack  of  grace, 
It  matters  less  what  raiment  this  may  wear. 

LXXXIII 

If,  O  my  soul  I  we  take  not  up  the  load 
Of  loss  and  labor  on  life's  rugged  road, 

In  vain  all  hope  that  we  may  ever  reach 
Those  heights  on  which  is  Glory's  bright  abode. 


80  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

LXXXIV 

Youth  waits  at  opening  gates  of  manhood  long, 
The  soul  thrilled  with  high  purpose  fixed  and  strong ; 

An  interlude  of  sweetest  melody 
Between  the  breaking  silence  and  the  song. 

LXXXV 

With  others  mourn  we  loss  of  wealth,  and  fain 
Would  cling  to  what  of  fortune  may  remain, 

With  our  own  soul  we  mourn  the  loss  of  youth 
When  to  the  soul  that  loss  is  all  its  gain. 

LXXXVI 

Who  eats  content  to-day  his  simple  crust 
Awaits  to-morrow  with  unshaken  trust, 

Believing  Allah's  mercies  manifold 
As  are  the  desert's  countless  grains  of  dust. 

LXXXVII 

Be  life  as  narrow  as  the  prison  cell. 
Be  life  as  broad  as  lands  where  Bedouins  dwell, — 

Great  store  or  nought,  'tis  all  the  same  to  Time, 
For  when  Time  goes  goes  all  of  earth  as  well. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  31 

LXXXVIII 

Times  come  and  go  by  turns,  revolving  fast, 
Nor  pain  nor  pleasure  e'er  were  known  to  last, 

But  while  our  life  is  as  a  treasure  held 
We  may  not  grieve  for  any  pleasure  past. 

LXXXIX 

When,  overcome  by  mystery  and  dread, 

From  Allah's  presence  man  has  turned  and  fled, 

How  has  he  marveled  in  his  soul  to  find 
That  Allah's  spirit  followed  not— but  ledl 

XC 

At  night  the  stars  move  in  procession  slow 
Down  to  the  underworld  of  Death  below ; 

If  long  or  short  the  ropes  by  which  they  're  drawn. 
Or  whose  the  hands  that  draw,  we  may  not  know. 

XCI 

Kemote  as  is  yon  bright  star  shining  fair 
Kind  providence  of  Allah  blesses  there, 

While  at  my  feet  in  clump  of  scrubby  sage 
Does  sparrow's  brood  sleep  safe  in  Allah's  care. 


82  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

XCII 

At  dawn,  'tis  said,  swings  open  Eden's  gate, 
Its  hinge  yields  willingly  at  evening  late, 

For  angels  have  so  many  ways  to  go 
They're  never  asked  for  long  outside  to  wait. 

XCIII 

Men  often  ask,  Is  there  aught  good  in  life? 
Some  sweet  reward  for  all  this  toil  and  strife  ? 

Yea,  answer  I,  for  I  have  seen  its  good 
When  looking  on  my  children  and  my  wife. 

XCIV 

Come,  Soul  of  loved  one,  with  a  joyous  bound 
Join  Soul  of  mine  to  stray  life's  garden  round, 

And,  looking  frankly  each  in  other's  eyes, 
Confess  no  greater  joy  in  life  is  found. 

XCV 

Small  children  in  our  homes— what  else  are  they 
But  our  hearts  walking  with  us  on  our  way? 

Let  but  the  breeze  blow  on  them  and  our  eyes 
All  night  to  Slumber's  wooing  answer,  "Nay." 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVEK'S    THOUGHTS  33 

XCVI 

A  child  that  calls  out,  "  Mother!"  in  its  fears, 
Whose  feeble  cry  no  more  the  mother  hears, 

Stirs  in  the  father's  heart  a  living  fount 
That  fills  his  sleepless  eyes  brimful  of  tears. 

XCVII 

O  thou,  one  half  my  soul,  in  yonder  skies! 
How  mourns  the  other  half  where  Hosein  lies ! 

Athirst  for  sweet  companionship  of  yore 
Though  floods  of  tears  fall  from  o'erflowing  eyes. 

XCVIII 

To  Fancy's  view  time  as  a  sea  appears, 
Eternity  the  depth,  as  waves  the  years ; 

And  every  drop  of  that  unfathomed  flood 
Has  been  made  briny  with  the  salt  of  tears. 

XCIX 

How  slowly  herded  stars  graze  o'er  their  plain 
While  soul  of  mine  endures  this  racking  pain ! 

To  me  they  seem  poor  helpless  fettered  things 
Or  tethered  each  with  adamantine  chain, 


34  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

C 

Day  follows  night  so  close  their  traces  blend, 
Warmth  after  winter's  cold  will  Allah  send ; 
'Tis  wise  to  treat  good  fortune  as  a  guest, 
Nor  think  that  woe  will  never,  never  end. 

CI 

The  hours  of  day  are  blessed  with  constant  light, 
To  constant  shade  are  doomed  the  hours  of  night ; 
Where  love  shines  on  the  pathway  of  our  lives, 
'Neath  sun,  'neath  cloud,  that  path  is  always  bright. 

CII 

Within  the  tent,  beneath  its  darkened  shade, 
For  weary  guest  the  slumber-place  is  made ; 
The  traveler  coming  late  to  tent  of  green, 
On  waiting  couch  his  toil-worn  limbs  are  laid. 

cm 

By  pilgrim  journeying  on  desert  wide 
To  dweller  in  the  tent  is  greeting  cried, 

"Fair  peace  be  on  thy  covering  in  the  morn 
When  shall  the  world  with  light  be  glorified ! " 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  35 

CIV 

We  know  what  Now  unfolds  to  eye  and  ear, 
What  brought  the  Past  is  held  in  memory  dear, 

Before  the  knowledge  which  the  Future  brings 
We  stand  in  mystery  shrouded  and  in  fear. 

CV 

We  spend  our  life's  best  years  in  toil  and  pain, 
To  solve  Life's  problem  seeking  all  in  vain ; 

Would  clear  the  mystery  of  our  being  here, 
And  with  that  effort  weary  heart  and  brain. 

CVI 

High  mountain  peaks  with  snow  are  silvered  o'er, 
In  shadow-haunted  vales  dark  rivers  pour ; — 

A  man  may  wear  a  smile  upon  his  face 
And  at  his  heart  be  sick  with  anguish  sore. 

CVII 

Who  mourns  the  hero  in  rebellion  slain  ? 
His  sword,  his  spear,  his  shield  with  bloody  stain, 

And  one  true  friend  -  the  steed  that  goes  to  drink 
At  brink  of  stagnant  pool  with  trailing  rein. 


86  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CVIII 

By  succoring  the  abject  and  abhorred 
Men  win  to  gracious  favor  of  our  Lord, 

Not  by  prayer-rug  worn  thin  with  constant  use 
Is  earned  of  our  poor  life  its  great  reward. 

CIX 

Who  gathers  friends  by  helping  in  their  need, 
Who  shields  their  honor  by  a  kindly  deed, 

Grows  mightier  than  the  strength  of  single  hand, 
Grows  richer  than  the  grasp  of  selfish  greed. 

CX 

Men  make  excuse  for  haste  the  hope  to  find 
Some  fond  ideal  of  the  youthful  mind, 

Loth  to  admit  their  anxious  thought  is  fear 
Of  fancied  evils  following  close  behind. 

CXI 

The  generous  youth  with  noble  zeal  inspired 
Buns  life's  fair  race  until  his  soul  is  tired, 
And  thinks  him  lucky  if  at  last  he  gain 
Some  little  of  all  that  his  heart  desired. 


THE    CAMEL    DKIVEK'S    THOUGHTS  37 

CXII 

Youth  keeps  its  treasures  with  a  nerveless  hold, 
Youth  counts  the  hours  a  tale  already  told ; 

Age,  grown  more  miserly,  would  be  most  glad 
If  but  the  new-born  year  brought  back  the  old. 

CXIII 

The  world  is  burdened  with  the  bitter  cry, 
We  live  so  little  time,  so  soon  we  die ! 

As  justly  camel  driver  might  complain, 
Too  short  the  desert  march,  the  end  too  nigh  I 

CXIV 

Here  have  we  through  a  careless  childhood  played, 
Here  later  have  with  idle  Fancy  strayed ; 

More  guests  are  coming, — why  then,  let  us  say 
Good-bye !  before  our  welcome  is  out-stayed. 

cxv 

Who  travels  o'er  a  dry  and  desert  place 
Looks  not  to  see  the  violet's  gentle  face, 

For  prudent  Nature,  having  happier  thought, 
Put  violets  where  they  gain  and  give  a  grace. 


88  QBE  YD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CXVI 

'Tis  not  the  good,  the  honest,  brave,  and  wise 
That  reach  the  level  of  admiring  eyes ; 

White  fleck  of  foam  rides  on  the  billow's  crest, 
On  ocean's  floor  the  pearl  we  covet  lies. 

CXVII 

In  heart  of  man  least  thought  of  others'  good 
Holds  space  with  thought  of  vast  infinitude, 

But  where  the  thought  of  God  holds  not  its  court 
Thought  of  the  poor  man's  woe  will  not  intrude. 

cxvni 

In  gentle  breath  of  balm  the  night  air  blows 
That  subtler  perfume  which  the  day  foregoes, 

To  guard  their  hoards  against  the  stealthy  winds 
Do  flowers  at  night  their  treasure-houses  close. 

CXIX 

See  how  the  wild  rose  blushes  to  confess 
'Mid  tame  surroundings  her  own  loveliness, — 

Fair  thought  that  blossoms  for  the  artist  soul 
Gives  to  that  soul  what  trouble  to  express ! 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS 

CXX 

Tall  beaker,  wine-cup,  flagon,  bowl,  and  jar, 
Of  earth  or  crystal,  dear  and  precious  are ; 

But  what  gives  chief  est  value  to  them  all 
The  skill  of  potter's  hand  may  make  or  mar. 

CXXI 

In  dim  bazaar  where  goods  are  bought  and  sold 
Fair  rugs  of  Persian  weaving  are  unrolled, 

Their  rainbow  dyes,  their  texture  are  displayed, 
But  ne'er  is  shown  poor  weaver  growing  old. 

CXXII 

Around  the  earth  do  Thought  and  Fancy  roam, 
As  clouds  o'er  land,  o'er  sea  as  flying  foam  ; 

And  yet  how  gladly  both  come  back  to  thee, 
Dear  Heart  that  lovest  more  to  stay  at  home  I 

CXXIII 

Who  lives  'mid  garden  bloom  of  thousand  dyes 
Is  wholly  charmed  by  what  about  him  lies, 

Who  journeys  not  afar  on  desert  waste 
Can  never  know  how  fair  are  evening  skies. 


40  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CXXIV 

Till  now  I  never  dreamed  what  conld  be  done 
With  waste  of  tawny  sand  'neath  setting  sun ; 

Look !  how  the  light  and  shade  together  play  I 
How  smiles  and  frowning  o'er  the  desert  run  I 

CXXV 

The  farther  on  my  desert  way  I  ride 
The  longer  seems  the  desert,  seems  more  wide, 

But  let  me  fare  as  far  as  go  the  stars 
I  cannot  move  myself  from  Allah's  side. 

CXXVI 

Decrees  of  Fate,  foreknowledge  absolute, 

All  points  of  faith  about  which  men  dispute, — 

These  matter  nought,  nor  views  that  men  maintain,- 
For  Truth's  defence  all  lips  as  well  were  mute. 

CXXVII 

The  tongue  is  half  the  man,  the  other  part 
That  makes  of  man  a  unit  is  the  heart ; 

This  quarries  thought  and  shapes  it  into  words, 
The  other  wields  them  as  one  hurls  the  dart. 


THE    CAMEL    DKIVER'S    THOUGHTS  41 

CXXVIII 

To  speak  the  truth  is  well  although  it  may 
Involve  no  more  than  simple  '  yea'  or  '  nay ; ' 
Yet  better  is  it,  knowing  truth  the  while, 
To  talk  of  date-stones  idly  thrown  away. 

CXXIX 

An  empty  name,  as  down  of  thistle  light, 
Starts  round  the  world  its  bold  ambitious  flight; 

Alas !  at  eve  the  ever-lengthening  shade 
But  lengthens  to  be  lost  at  last  in  night. 

cxxx 

As  two  staunch  foes,  opposing  lance  and  shield, 
Meet  Youth  and  Age  upon  a  hostile  field ; 

"W  hatever  ground  advancing  Age  may  win 
That  ground  must  Youth,  howe'er  reluctant,  yield. 

CXXXI 

Life's  troubles,  in  their  long  succession  seen, 
Each  on  its  neighbor  trouble  seem  to  lean, 

But  never  yet  two  gloomy  nights  went  by 
Without  the  going  of  a  day  between. 


48  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CXXXII 

la  life  a  burden,  with  these  trials  cursed? 
To  taste  misfortune  we  are  not  the  first, 

And  having  met  this  we  have  come  to  know 
Things  can  but  mend  when  they  are  at  the  worst. 

CXXXIII 

Did  Allah  heed  our  prayers  to  change  his  plan 
He  would  from  human  life  all  evil  ban ; 

What  then  ?  with  pain  removed  what  room  were  left 
For  thanks  to  Allah,  gratitude  to  man  ? 

CXXXIV 

With  toil  and  care  by  day  are  we  oppressed, 
Night  follows  day,  with  night  comes  gentle  rest ; 

When  we  compare  what  day,  what  night  affords, 
Then  may  we  judge  if  life  or  death  be  best. 

cxxxv 

Sweet  violet  blooms  in  beauty  to  the  eye, 
Bright  Vesper  hangs  her  lamp  in  western  sky ;  — 

Some  gracious  duty  waits  each  human  life 
Be  that  life  on  a  lowly  plane  or  high. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  43 

CXXXVI 

However  swift  or  slow  the  days  that  pass 
In  gloom  of  silent  night  they  end,  alas! 

But,  after  darkest  night,  is  duly  poured 
Day's  shining  sand  in  Time's  inverted  glass. 

CXXXVII 

Some  sense  of  dread  the  deepening  twilight  brings, 
To  Night's  dark  robes  a  haunting  mystery  clings  ; 

How  small  for  us  were  terror  of  the  night 
Were  night  to  us  the  shade  of  angels'  wings  1 

CXXXVIII 

I  dreamed  I  was  a  beggar  at  Heaven's  gate, 
Outside  its  portals  patiently  did  wait ; 

But  not  one  mite  could  Charity  bestow 
For  all  came  penniless— the  small,  the  great. 

CXXXIX 

Light-hearted  let  me  go  with  eager  mind 
When  into  Allah's  care  my  soul 's  resigned, 

Well  knowing  that,  from  usurer's  thrifty  craft, 
More  than  my  self  I  shall  hereafter  find. 


44  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DK1VER 

CXL 

Rich  sandalwood  yields  of  its  fragrant  store, 
The  perfume  that  remains  is  all  the  more, — 

With  liberal  hand  the  rich  dispense  their  wealth 
To  find  themselves  but  richer  than  before. 

CXLI 

I  have  my  neighbor  while  at  home  I  stay, 
My  fellow  traveler  on  the  desert  way ; 

Be  I  at  home  or  at  remotest  bounds, 
I  have  my  conscience  with  me  night  and  day. 

CXLII 

O  thou  wayfarer,  weary  Heart  of  mine, 
Sent  forth  by  Allah  on  some  search  of  thine  I 

Let  all  the  dusty  road  forgotten  be 
In  thinking  of  thy  destiny  divine. 

CXLIII 

Through  life  we  follow  paths  we  do  not  know, 
Close  by  our  side  attendant  angels  go ; 

The  hand  that  leads  us  we  remember  well 
As  that  which  led  us  years  and  years  ago. 


THE    CAMEL    DKIVER'S    THOUGHTS  45 

CXLIV 

From  other  worlds  that  lie  beyond  the  pole 
Blow  winds  that  rainless  clouds  of  mystery  roll ; 

Through  life,  through  death,  through  time  and  space 

unchecked, 
Deep  sighs  of  Allah  sweep  across  the  soul. 

CLXV 

A  hand  unseen  restrains  us  and  we  stay, 
Inaudible  the  voice  that  warns  us,  "  Nay  1 " 

And  so  the  camel  driver  all  his  life 
Conceives  he  goes  a  self-directed  way. 

CXLVI 

To  camel  driver  all  his  earthly  pride 
Was  virtue  —  opulent  in  that  he  died  ; 

Died  poor,  men  say,  for  Allah  so  decreed 
That  having  virtue  he  have  nought  beside. 

CXLVII 

The  world  itself  is  governed  still  by  Fate, 
Fate  rules  the  subjects  and  the  monarch's  state, 

That  power  obey,  submissive  to  its  thrall, 
Salute  Fate's  messenger  come  soon  or  late. 


46  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVES 

CXLVI1I 

For  ills  of  life  man's  knowledge  has  no  cure, 
And  soon  or  late  to  all  is  sorrow  sure  ; 
Far  as  Philosophy  can  lend  her  aid 
She  bids  mankind  be  patient  and  endure. 

CXLIX 

'Tis  only  in  the  tardy  autumn  late 

That  sweetness  comes  unto  the  ripening  date, 

Who  labors  for  the  welfare  of  mankind 
For  fruit  of  labor  patiently  must  wait. 

CL 

Too  short  for  us  seem  all  these  toilsome  years. 
So  filled  are  they  with  anxious  hopes  and  fears ; 
Too  short  for  our,  but  not  for  Allah's,  plan 
Wherein  the  purpose  of  our  life  appears. 

CLI 

The  wood  of  aloes— ancient  proverb  saith— 
Yields  fragrance  only  to  consuming  breath, 

Not  otherwise  the  virtues  of  the  good 
Embalmed  in  memories  linger  after  death. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  47 

CLII 

Twice  had  the  dove  gone  forth  on  bootless  quest, 
Third  time  she  found  dry  spot  on  which  to  rest 

And  came  not  back  into  the  Ark  again :  — 
The  dead  return  not,  they  have  found  the  best. 

CLIII 

Before  the  winter's  cold  the  swallow  flies, 
Pursues  the  summer  under  tropic  skies ; 

More  kindly  impulse  to  the  soul  is  given 
To  follow  Duty  into  Paradise. 

CLIV 

He  who  would  halt  before  the  goal  is  won, 
Would  cease  from  work  before  the  task  is  done, 

He  should  reflect  day  follows  after  day, 
Another  morn  awaits  the  setting  sun. 

CLV 

With  patience  men  have  toiled  so  long,  so  long. 
To  build  the  right,  to  overthrow  the  wrong ! 

Their  measured  strokes,  directed  by  one  thought, 
Have  blended  into  harmony  of  song. 


48  QBE  YD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CLVI 

For  this,  man's  two-fold  gifts  were  wisely  planned, 
That  feeling  heart  go  with  the  laboring  hand, 

That  while  the  mortal  lives  as  lives  the  flower 
The  spirit  learn  this  life  to  understand. 

CLVII 

They  've  walked  with  us  and  they  have  shared  our  fears, 
Have  bowed  with  us,  with  us  have  mingled  tears, — 

Those  lovers  of  their  kind  in  ages  past 
As  men  now  walk  with  men  of  coming  years. 

CLVIII 

Far  off  on  paths  of  Paradise  are  they 
Were  dear  to  Allah  in  life's  golden  day, 

The  way  they  went  in  evening  glory  lies 
Flushed  all  its  length  with  sunset's  level  ray. 

CLIX 

Far  must  we  journey  where  that  pathway  lies 
In  softest  light  before  our  longing  eyes ; 
Far  must  we  journey,  going  all  alone, 
To  keep  our  waited  tryst  in  Paradise. 


THE    CAMEL    DKIVER'S    THOUGHTS  49 

CLX 

Where  go  the  vanished  dead  at  least  there 's  rest 
For  tired  limbs  upon  our  mother's  breast, 

And  if  it  be  the  dead  wake  not  from  sleep 
We  know  of  Allah's  gifts  is  sleep  the  best. 

CLXI 

We  are  so  very  weak  to  Allah's  view  I 
He  has  no  need  of  me,  no  need  of  you, 

And  that  which  makes  us  precious  in  His  sight 
Is  what  we  are,  not  what  our  hands  can  do. 

CLXII 

Is  it  the  night-breeze  whispering  in  my  ear, 
Or  clamor  of  Fame's  distant  voice  I  hear? 

Perchance  an  echo  from  Eternity, 
The  worlds  of  sense  and  spirit  are  so  near  I 

CLXIII 

Strange  is  the  world  about  us  everywhere 
Of  which  our  vision  tells  us  it  is  fair, 

And  stranger  yet  the  unseen  world  as  near 
Of  which  we  only  know  the  dead  are  there. 


50  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CLXIV 

When  curious  traveler  has  wandered  o'er 
The  bounds  of  time  he  will  return  no  more, 
For  when  he  comes  to  view  eternal  scenes 
'Gainst  his  returning  angels  shut  the  door. 

CLXV 

The  desert  sand  is  dry  the  whole  night  through, 
Green  blade  of  grass  refreshed  by  copious  dew ; 

Let  but  a  friendship  spring  in  human  heart 
'Tis  blessed  with  tenderness  heart  never  knew. 

CLXVI 

If  we  could  bar  out  Sorrow  from  the  heart, 
Could  from  the  mind  bid  gloomy  Thought  depart, 

Our  eyes  yet  seeing  others'  deep  distress 
With  brimming  tears  of  tenderness  would  smart. 

CLXVII 

All  joys  of  sense  with  sense  must  fade  away 
All  joys  in  truth  with  truth  shall  last  for  aye 

With  truth  eternal  we  've  eternal  home, 
A  fairer  life  led  in  a  purer  day. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  51 

CLXVIII 

On  many  a  strand  have  royal  palm  trees  stood, 
Few  lands  can  boast  the  growth  of  sandalwood, — 

Amid  the  throng  about  the  monarch's  throne 
The  great  are  many,  very  few  the  good. 

CLXIX 

So  many  a  deed  of  wrong  for  right  is  meant, 
So  many  a  right  one  done  with  ill  intent ! 

We  cannot  judge,— then  why  not  kindness  give 
As  on  the  just  and  unjust  rain  is  sent? 

CLXX 

We  cannot  draw  the  line  through  their  dense  throng, 
Tell  on  which  side  of  this  they  each  belong ; 

But  this  we  know,  the  right  makes  for  the  right, 
And  just  as  true  it  is  wrong  makes  for  wrong. 

CLXXI 

Sometimes  the  lion  eager  is  for  fight, 
Sometimes  the  lion  safety  seeks  in  flight  ; 

The  warrior  need  not  rush  upon  the  field 
Save  when  he  is  the  champion  of  Eight. 


52  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CLXXII 

Why  should  man  wish  for  life  a  longer  day. 
Upon  its  wearying  road  a  longer  way ; — 

Full  many  a  flower  disdains  the  Tropic  year. 
And  grows  but  where  keen  frosts  of  winter  slay. 

CLXXIII 

Did  virtue  in  long  pilgrimage  abide 
To  Mecca-born  were  holiness  denied, 

More  kind  were  heaven  to  those  who  dwell  afar, 
More  gracious  yet  had  earth  been  made  more  wide. 

CLXXIV 

At  home  abiding,  or  on  lonely  quest, 
Heaven  in  thy  bosom  bear,  to  Heaven's  behest 

Bow  as  a  little  child,  look  up  to  Heaven, 
So  shall  Death  find  thee  fearless  and  at  rest. 

CLXXV 

Since  for  mankind  death  is  the  common  fate, 
And  when  Death  calls  for  us  he  will  not  wait ; 

Revenge  we  gain  from  good  deeds  sent  before, 
Thus  Heaven  will  chide  Death  that  he  brings  us  late. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  68 

CLXXVI 

Not  long  may  Fortune  with  one  house  abide, 
Soon  comes  Adversity  with  hurried  stride, 

Her  joy  to  crush  the  flower  within  the  bud, 
To  trample  down  the  weeds  of  power  and  pride. 

CLXXVII 

Keep  to  the  friend  who  when  the  times  go  ill, 
When  Fortune  turns  her  back,  as  Fortune  will, 
Proves  not  unfaithful  where  are  others  false, 
In  close  companionship  rejoices  still. 

CLXXVIII 

What  man  may  court  the  patronage  of  Fame 
Finds  that  she  speaks  inaudibly  his  name, 

But  let  one  shun  her  in  the  market-place 
She  seeks  him  out  his  glory  to  proclaim. 

CLXXIX 

How  fair  are  all  things  bright  to  childish  eyes, 
Not  less  the  dark  ones  when  we  learn  to  prize 

Gifts  not  for  their  sake  but  for  sake  of  Him 
Whose  wisdom  grants  them  and  whose  love  denies. 


64  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CLXXX 

What  is  it  gilds  the  sand-heaps  and  the  trees, 
That  paints  the  clouds  of  evening  bright  as  these  ? 

What  is  it  but  the  sunlight's  simple  ray 
Which  all  uncolored  one  at  noontide  sees  ? 

CLXXXI 

This  desert  sand,  a  weariness  alas  I 
With  pain  is  watched,  seen  running  in  the  glass. 
It  measures  time, —  of  time  we  care  the  more, 
Each  grain  a  moment,  how  the  moments  pass. 

CLXXXII 

The  sands  are  quiet  when  winds  cease  to  blow, 
Our  spirits  calm  when  passions  smoulder  low ; 

Ah  I  then  we  see  how  vain  it  was  to  fret 
That  Time  went  as  he  fancied  — fast  or  slow. 

CLXXXIII 

All  elements,  at  Nature's  stern  command, 
Against  our  race  in  hostile  order  stand, 

To  give  earth's  glory  to  the  dust  again, 
Destroy  the  marvelous  triumphs  of  our  hand. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  65 

CLXXXIV 

A  life  of  toil,  a  life  of  penury 
This  life  of  mine  —  I  will  contented  be, 

For  this  I  know,  however  low  its  state, 
'  Tis  just  the  life  that  Allah  meant  for  me. 

CLXXXV 

Is  it  that  Death  will  shut  the  gates  so  fast 
\Vhich  separate  the  future  from  this  past 

That  we,  foreknowing  here  the  end  of  life, 
May  not  discern  life's  discipline  at  last  ? 

CLXXXVI 

Day  after  day  with  daily  march  we  tire, 
Night  after  night  renew  our  bivouac  fire ; 
Thus  we  grow  old,  but  not  the  world  grows  old, — 
The  world  is  ever  young  with  young  desire. 

CLXXXVII 

The  moods  of  Fancy  are  of  ample  range, 
Mirthful,  disconsolate  ;  familiar,  strange  ; — 

Let  desert  journey  be  long  as  it  may 
The  Desert's  temper  manifests  no  change. 


56  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CLXXXVIII 

Long  to  the  watcher  is  the  weary  night 
Though  patiently  he  bide  the  morning  light, 

Long  is  the  way  to  him  who  seeks  for  Truth 
Though  prudently  he  heed  her  star  aright. 

CLXXXIX 

The  lone  wayfarer  marks  the  ways  of  earth, 
Black  grief  of  death,  the  radiant  joy  of  birth, — 

He  marks  the  joy  and  grief  that  come  between 
To  raise  immortal  souls  to  nobler  worth. 

CXC 

But  though  to  careless  listener  standing  near 
The  cries  of  men  discordant  may  appear, 

Yet  when  these  reach  to  Allah's  throne  above 
They  blend  in  one  appeal  to  Allah's  ear. 

CXCI 

In  regions  desolate  we  tread  the  dust 
Of  palaces  once  cruel  with  the  lust 

Of  power  and  wealth,  now  sport  of  idle  wind  ;  — 
Ah !  man  is  impious,  and  Allah  just. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  57 

CXCII 

Where  life  is  not,  Death  cannot  hold  his  state, 
Where  change  is  not,  there  is  nor  soon  nor  late,— 

'  Tween  desert  banks  the  river,  dreamless,  sleeps, 
Bloom  lotus  buds,  and  Time  forgets  his  date. 

CXCIII 

Men  say  the  Sphinx  beside  the  placid  Nile 
Looks  on  the  desert  with  as  placid  smile 

As  Fate  beholds  the  destiny  of  man, 
But  ne  'er  relax  those  stony  lips  the  while. 

CXCIV 

How  have  men  striven  in  reason  as  they  could 
To  learn  the  source  of  Evil  and  of  Good ; 

Have  wearied  patient  Thought,  nor  ever  dreamed 
That  111  is  Allah's  care— misunderstood. 

CXCV 

What  in  this  life  is  but  a  fond  desire 

May  rise  to  beauteous  action  in  a  higher, — 

How  have  I  seen  on  bosom  of  a  stream 
Fair  lotus  draw  her  beauty  from  the  mire  I 


68  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CXCVI 

These  desert  paths  on  which  we  daily  wend 
A  toilsome  way  but  seldom  cross  or  blend, — 

Though  wide  diverge  the  separate  paths  of  life 
All  lead  at  last  but  to  the  selfsame  end. 

CXCVII 

The  swallow  weaves  in  air  her  mystic  maze, 
The  eagle  soars  beyond  our  baffled  gaze ; 

Thus  sages,  versed  in  reasoning,  rise  above 
All  doubts  and  fears  that  cloud  life's  humble  ways. 

CXCVTII 

How  do  the  songs  returning  swallows  sing 
To  our  glad  hearts  remembered  music  bring, 

How  sight  of  flowers  with  earlier  vision  blends 
Of  that  fair  world  where  it  is  always  spring  I 

CXCIX 

Not  where  they  meet  —  the  desert  and  the  sky— 
On  borders  mystical  to  questioning  eye 

Expect  to  find  the  scenes  which  Fancy  paints,  — 
As  we  approach,  those  prisoning  limits  fly. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  59 

CC 

Through  all  life's  changing  course  of  loss  and  gain 
To  true  believers  Hosein's  words  remain,  — 
"  If  in  His  care  doth  Allah  shut  one  gate 
In  pity  and  in  grace  He  opens  twain." 

CCI 

Soft  falls  the  rain  upon  the  thirsty  sod, 

Slight  print  is  left  where  fleet  gazelle  has  trod,  — 

Let  but  the  orphan's  tear  fall  on  the  ground 
Its  heavy  beat  will  shake  the  throne  of  God. 

CCII 

With  what  sweet  comradeship  of  life  we  fare, 
Thou  Soul  of  mine,  across  the  desert  bare  ! 

When  at  the  gates  of  Heaven  thou  enterest  in 
How  shall  I  stand  alone  and  grieving  there ! 

CCIII 

Men  seem  to  please  themselves  with  this  belief, 
With  happy  days  eternity  were  brief ; 

And  since  this  mortal  life  comes  soon  to  end 
Men  make  life  long  by  filling  it  with  grief. 


60  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CCIV 

Time  makes  his  course  with  most  unequal  pace, 
Slowly  the  past  recedes  as  yielding  place, 

The  future  is  outrun  by  hopes  and  fears, 
The  present  flies  as  winner  in  a  race. 

CCV 

With  wearying  care  and  toil  is  day  oppressed, 
Night  comes  and  with  her  cometh  gentle  rest, 

By  day  our  thoughts  outrun  the  caravan, 
With  happy  dreams  our  sleep  at  night  is  blessed. 

CCVI 

Day  paints  the  heavens  their  deep  unchanging  blue, 
Night  brings  her  shining  host  of  stars  in  view,— 

To  one  whose  life  is  in  the  desert  spent 
Alike  are  dawn  and  eve  forever  new. 

CCVII 

The  wind  at  night  goes  past  me  with  a  sigh 
For  fate  of  man— above,  the  desert  sky 

Seems  type  of  earthly  circumstance,  and  now 
Both  Night  and  I  are  sad  —we  know  not  why. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  61 

CCVIII 

A  white  sail  on  the  blue  unbounded  tide, 
A  white  tent  pitched  upon  the  desert  wide ; 

Above  them  both  the  same  o'erarching  heavens, 
With  both  alike  doth  Allah's  care  abide. 

CCIX 

We  dream  of  Paradise  as  being  fair, 
A  tropic  garden  bright  with  flowers  rare ; 

We  wake  to  realize  the  pain  of  life, 
Are  glad  to  know  its  balm  is  growing  there. 

OCX 

How  have  I  watched  the  desert  through  these  years  I 
No  dew  by  night,  by  day  no  rain  appears, 

No  water  springs !  —  to  me  it  seems  the  Earth 
Feels  in  its  heart  a  grief  too  deep  for  tears. 

CCXI 

To  change  one  primal  law  is  Nature  loth, 
Living  and  dead  — she  is  alike  to  both ; 

Fond  moth  will  hover  round  consuming  flame, — 
The  candle  feels  no  pity  for  the  moth. 


62  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CCXII 

The  hand  that  gives  to  man  his  daily  food 
Gives  just  as  freely  to  the  raven's  brood, 

What  gives  the  gentle  dove  her  harmless  ways 
Gives  to  fierce  tiger's  whelps  their  thirst  for  blood. 

CCXIII 

Outspread  beneath  our  feet  the  desert  lies, 
Above  our  heads  unfold  the  starry  skies ; 

#hy  should  earth  be  so  dull,  the  heavens  so  bright  ?- 
From  earth  to  lift  our  hearts,  to  turn  our  eyes. 

CCXIV 

The  man  of  wealth  who  lives  in  regal  state 
Must  bear  with  wretched  horde  about  his  gate ; 
Counsel  of  sage  outvalues  merchant's  gold, — 
How  few  about  the  sage's  portals  wait  I 

CCXV 

Men  that  have  made  most  praise  of  worth  their  own 
Are  those  for  whom  most  spite  of  men  is  shown,— 
Were  pitcher  fashioned  from  the  dust  of  kings 
Some  servile  hand  would  break  it  with  a  stone. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS 

CCXVI 

The  potter's  wheel  runs  on  with  slackening  turn. 
Beneath  the  hand  that  moulds  a  shapely  urn 

After  the  potter's  foot  has  stopped  its  beat, — 
From  this  how  history  makes  itself  we  learn. 

CCXVII 

Except  the  seed  fall  in  th'  unconscious  earth 
Sweet  desert  rose  will  never  come  to  birth, 
Except  the  spirit  dwell  with  mortal  clay 
Immortal  virtues  will  not  show  their  worth. 

CCXVIII 

The  glory  won  by  Paladin  of  old, 

What  matter  if  by  prince  or  beggar  told !  — 

Will  draught  of  water  have  a  different  taste 
If  drinking-cup  be  made  of  earth  or  gold  ? 

CCXIX 

Around  the  common  well  of  desert  town 
Worn  stones  are  grooved,  ropes  running  up  and  down ; 

So  have  men  leveled  walls  of  circumstance, 
And  so  have  worn  away  a  life's  renown. 


64  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CCXX 

Where  camels  pass  a  hollow  track  is  shown, 
Next  day  the  track  with  sand  is  overblown, 
And  of  that  sand  the  very  smallest  grains 
Are  dust  of  princes  otherwise  unknown. 

CCXXI 

The  rippled  sand  is  scrawled  with  curves  perplexed, 
What  one  day  writes  is  cancelled  by  the  next ; 

Let  moullak  scan  the  scroll  with  care  he  finds 
Allah  il  Allah  runs  the  repeated  text. 

CCXXII 

The  leader  shambling  o'er  a  sandy  place 
Leaves  lines  for  second  camel  to  erase,- 

Lines  of  our  destiny  though  writ  in  dust 
No  skill  of  ours  availeth  to  efface. 

CCXXIII 

The  years  I  journey  through  this  desert  land 
My  shadow  goes  beside  me  o'er  the  sand ; 

Not  otherwise  on  all  the  way  of  lif  e 
Go  Self  and  Soul  together  hand  in  hand. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  65 

CCXXIV 

Ah  me  !  the  praisers  of  my  life  are  few, 
How  many  scorn  the  work  I  have  to  do  I 

And  yet  I  find  a  comfort  in  the  thought, 
The  Prophet  was  a  camel  driver  too. 

CCXXV 

The  man  who  makes  his  soul  a  beast  to  bear 
His  own  vexations  with  another's  care, 

May  find  before  he  comes  to  halting-place 
He  has  of  this  world  claimed  too  large  a  share. 

CXXVI 

Why  should  the  purpose  of  my  patron  be 
Always  to  burden  both  himself  and  me  ? 

Himself  with  care,  with  toil  my  weary  limbs ; — 
The  Prophet's  boast  was  of  his  poverty. 

CCXXVII 

If  for  his  good  was  man  from  Eden  driven, 
If  for  a  blessing  toil  and  sweat  were  given, 

How  has  he  from  the  greatness  of  his  soul 
For  others'  good  in  self-denial  striven ! 


66  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CCXXVIII 

Large  charities  the  liberal-minded  planned, 
Grieved  that  he  could  not  Fortune's  aid  command ; 

But  Money  said,  "  The  miser  knows  my  worth, 
And  so  it  is  I  come  to  miser's  hand." 

CCXXIX 

Time,  in  his  dealings,  takes  our  hopes  in  trust. 
Bright  hopes  they  are  which  he  permits  to  rust, 

When  in  the  future  we  demand  them  back 
Tien  time  delivers  nought  but  worthless  dust. 

ccxxx 

Who  fills  his  coffers  full  of  glittering  gold 
May  feast  his  miser's  gaze  when  he  is  old, 
But  let  him  look  into  his  miser's  heart 
And  there  he  finds  but  emptiness  and  cold. 

CCXXXI 

Spendthrift  of  life  in  toil  and  sacrifice, 
That  he  may  heap  the  treasured  gold,  is  wise 

If  with  his  winning  he  has  gained  the  craft 
To  gild  with  this  the  walls  of  Paradise. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  67 

CCXXX1I 

Who  would  engage  upon  a  dangerous  quest 
Will  find  that  private  counsel  is  the  best ;  — 

When  Alexander  marched  against  the  East 
At  night  his  tent  was  pitched  to  front  the  west. 

CCXXXIII 

Of  every  creature  Allah  wills  the  fate, 
He  wills  the  place  of  death,  He  wills  the  date ;  — 

Be  this  the  day,  be  Samarkand  the  place, 
To-day  our  train  will  pass  that  city's  gate. 

CCXXXIV 

We  plan  for  time  but  Allah  plans  for  aye  ; 
We  pray  for  good  but  Allah  answers  "Nay;" 

Not  that  the  good  we  crave  is  aught  but  good, — 
A  greater  good  the  learning  to  obey. 

ccxxxv 

Like  camels  men  are  doomed  to  travel  o'er 
The  waste  'twixt  past  and  future,  and  explore, 
Leave  all  the  world  to  those  who  later  come 
And  follow  after  those  have  gone  before. 


68  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CCXXXVI 

As  reach  of  land  between  opposing  seas, 
Low  reef  of  shifting  sand  aye  washed  by  these, 
Man  walks  this  narrow  span  with  confidence, 
Its  two  abutments  vast  eternities. 

CCXXXVII 

Time  has  a  past  outrunning  history, 
A  future  to  whose  limits  none  can  see, 

And  yet  with  all  its  measureless  extent 
Time 's  but  a  fragment  of  eternity. 

CCXXXVIII 

Age  ends  its  labors  as  Youth  ends  its  play, 
Not  long  at  Life's  successive  inns  we  stay ; 

We  drain  our  cups  before  the  common  fire, 
Pay  off  the  score,  and  then  are  on  our  way. 

CCXXXIX 

We  leave  Life's  entertainment  as  we  came, 
All  wealth  is  nought  —  if  rich  or  poor,  the  same ; 

And  those  on  whom  has  Fortune  smiled  the  most 
Confess  its  use  was  winning  of  the  game. 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  69 

CCXL 

If  any  man  by  studious  thought  has  come 
To  comprehend  of  wisdom  all  its  sum, 

He  has  not  lisped  of  this  one  word  to  us — 
In  leash  of  wiser  thoughts  his  lips  are  dumb. 

CCXLI 

He  is  not  blind  who  can  the  Prophet  read, 
He  is  not  deaf  who  gives  the  beggar  heed ; 
But  he  who  speaks  not  in  another's  woe 
Words  of  compassion  —  he  is  dumb  indeed. 

CCXLII 

The  path  across  the  desert  leads  to  where 
Damascus  lies  among  its  gardens  fair, — 

Life's  path  that  runs  beyond  our  mortal  sight 
Will  end  at  last,  and  we  be  happy  there. 

CCXLIII 

From  happy  scenes,  from  home  and  kindred  banned, 
Went  Ishmael's  mother  into  desert  land, 

In  very  shame  she  watched  her  luckless  child, 
Nor  saw  Heaven's  angel  close  beside  her  stand. 


70  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CCXLIV 

Somewhere  on  earth  a  patient  soul  doth  wait 
Long,  weary  searching  of  its  lonely  mate, 

Be  their  first  meeting  on  the  desert  wide, 
And  right  before  them  opens  Eden's  gate. 

CCXLV 

Who  travels  far  abroad  through  regions  vast 
Comes  back  no  wiser  for  his  toil  at  last 

Than  he  who  in  the  city's  gateway  sits 
And  watches  eager  pilgrims  hurrying  past. 

CCXLVI 

Among  the  crowd  went  Obeyd  all  alone, 
To  all  he  met  he  made  his  trouble  known, 

And,  coming  back,  reported  to  his  friends 
He  found  each  heart  had  trouble  of  its  own. 

CCXLV1I 

Were  I,  O  Love,  a  poor  despised  thing, 
Helpless  as  you  would  be  with  broken  wing, 

In  my  despair  you  would  be  at  my  side, 
As  Fortune  scorned,  you  would  the  closer  cling! 


THE    CAMEL    DRIVER'S    THOUGHTS  71 

CCXLVIII 

How  on  my  thought  will  faithful  memory  wait 
Of  how  we  twain  went  from  the  city  gate,— 
My  love  with  me  far  as  the  parting  well, 
And  how  thenceforth  my  way  is  desolate  1 

CCXLIX 

I  dreamed  that  Paradise  I  wandered  through, 
Its  loveliness  lay  open  to  my  view ; 

Walk,  Love,  with  me  this  desert  track,  and  then 
Will  all  the  promise  of  that  dream  come  true. 

CCL 

Day  breaks,  the  east  with  glory 's  all  ablaze, 
For  me  have  broken  thus  how  many  days ! 

And  yet  this  dawns  as  none  had  dawned  before, 
Their  memory 's  lost  in  wonder  as  we  gaze  I 

CCLI 

Is  Spring  at  hand,  the  darling  of  the  year  ? 
Is  Spring  at  hand  ?  do  meadows  green  appear? 

I  look  abroad,  I  see  not  my  beloved  :  — 
No,  meadows  are  not  green,  Spring  is  not  here  ! 


72  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

CCLII 

The  sunset  glory  on  the  mountain  lies, 
Lies  on  the  clouds  to  which  those  summits  rise ;  - 

In  hush  of  evening's  solemn  hour  is  held 
This  golden  wedding  of  the  earth  and  skies  1 

CCLIII 

How  sight  of  home  the  toil-worn  traveler  cheers 
When  after  desert  march  his  home  appears  ! 

Heaven  after  life  shall  gladden  us  the  more 
Eternity  transcends  our  mortal  years. 

CCLIV 

This  track  that  lies  across  the  desert  wide 
Ends  under  palm  trees  on  the  further  side  ; — 

Be  patient,  Soul  of  mine,  the  way  of  life 
Will  lead  to  blessings  that  are  here  denied. 

CCLV 

Yea,  when  the  unseen  messenger  shall  call, 
When  over  lights  of  heaven  shall  darkness  fall, 

Then  will  Archangel  put  the  scroll  away, 
And  Allah  stand  revealed  —  the  All-in-all. 


THE    CAMEL    DKIVEK'S    THOUGHTS  73 

CCLVI 

One  hears  the  evening  waters  gently  flow, 
Another  hears  the  bulbuVs  plaint  of  woe, — 
To  my  glad  ear  the  voice  of  my  beloved 
Sounds,  in  that  melting  music,  soft  and  low. 

CCLVII 

Is  that  a  star  low  shining  ?  —  Who  can  tell  I  — 
Below  the  rim  of  night's  cerulean  bell? 

The  night  is  cloudy  ;  —  no,  'tis  not  a  star ;  — 
My  love  awaits  me  at  the  parting  well  I 

CCLVIII 

O  joy  of  pilgrim,  now  his  journey 's  o'er, 
Now  that  he  enters  at  his  low  tent  door  I 

If  home  and  kindred  furnish  so  great  joy 
What  joy  supernal  Heaven  must  have  in  store  1 

CCLIX 

O  grace  of  Allah  giving  faithful  friend 
To  wait  my  coming  at  the  journey's  end  I 
And  equal  grace  Thyself  to  go  with  me, 
Nor  halt  however  long  the  way  I  wend  ! 


Two  pilgrims  met  in  mosque  at  El  Meshed, 
One  from  the  living  came,  one  from  the  dead  : 

The  ghost  was  Obeyd  from  his  desert  march, 
The  mortal  —who  records  what  this  one  said. 


THE    CAMEL'S    THOUGHTS 


KEBEKAH  at  the  desert  fountain's  brink 

To  Abraham's  servant  gives  cool  draught  to  drink,  — 

"  I'll  draw,"  she  says,  "  for  thirsty  camel,  too," 
What  must  the  wayworn,  thirsty  camel  think  I 


THE   CAMEL'S    THOUGHTS 


i 

ONE  after  one  the  camels  start  away 

From  smouldering  camp-fires  in  the  morning  gray, 

One  after  one  the  loitering  line  comes  in 
To  evening  camp-fires  at  the  close  of  day. 

II 

Let  but  one  camel  pass  and  you  have  there 
Signs  of  his  passing,  seen  at  spaces  rare  ; 

But  let  the  train  come  after  in  his  lead 
And  soon  the  track  is  made  a  thoroughfare. 

Ill 

Slow  o'er  the  desert  winds  the  camel  train, 
Across  the  heavens  drift  heavy  clouds  of  rain, 

These  yield  their  charge  when  mountains  stay  their 

course, 
Poor  camels  theirs  when  cities  proud  they  gain. 


78  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

IV 

As  ship  becalmed  is  seen  all  day  to  stand 
No  farther  off,  no  nearer  to  the  land, 

So  camels  seem  to  keep  the  selfsame  spot 
Upon  this  smooth  monotony  of  sand. 

V 

The  track  in  burning  sand  before  me  lies, 
Far  on  the  low  horizon  palms  arise, 

Fast  as  I  haste  to  gain  the  halting  place 
The  vision  of  the  palms  before  me  flies. 

VI 

Before  the  blast  white  wave  at  Bushine  curls, 
Wild  storm  of  sand  across  the  desert  whirls. 

Through  blinding  storm  my  lonely  way  I  go 
As  through  the  waves  lone  diver  goes  for  pearls. 

VII 

Unnumbered  dangers  haunt  the  desert  wide, 
By  lonely  trails  doth  violence  abide, 

And  there  I  find  my  driver  follows  close 
As  timid  child  clings  to  its  mother's  side. 


THE    CAMEL'S    THOUGHTS  79 

VIII 

With  man  on  desert  track  I  take  the  lead, 
He  follows,  urging  me  to  greater  speed, 

Not  knowing  that  with  hunger  and  with  thirst 
We  both  are  driven  along  by  direst  need. 

IX 

Enough  to  me  each  day  its  grief  and  bale, 
Enough  that  in  my  task  I  do  not  fail ; 

My  driver  borrows  from  the  days  to  come, 
Thinks  how  his  deeds  shall  sound  in  future  tale. 

X 

My  master  takes  good  care  his  slave  be  fed 
If  only  for  some  service  coveted, 

Will  not  then  He  who  owns  both  lord  and  slave 
Provide  for  slave  and  lord  their  daily  bread  ? 

XI 

Two  things  to  simple-minded  man  are  known,  — 
That  husbandman  must  reap  what  he  hath  sown, 
That  cub  of  wolf  reared  in  the  homes  of  men 
Becomes  no  less  a  wolf  when  it  is  grown. 


80  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

XII 

Men  need  a  higher  wisdom  yet  to  gain, 

Or  else  content  with  us,  poor  beasts,  remain  ; 

Know  good  from  evil  or  else  nothing  know, 
For  all  between  is  misery  and  pain. 

XIII 

How  have  I  seen  in  Georgian  Tiflis 

Men  hail  their  conquering  chief  till  daylight  cease  1 

Seen  then  the  chief  turn  sorrowful  away,  — 
The  praise  of  courtiers  brings  so  little  peace. 

XIV 

For  fame  of  leader  camels  care  the  least, 

To  what  he  leads  concerns  both  man  and  beast ; — 

Who  takes  the  vulture  for  a  desert  guide 
Full  soon  will  come  to  most  unsavory  feast. 

XV 

Rich  fabrics  made  in  shops  of  Teheran 
Must  go,  for  sale,  to  mart  of  Ispahan  ; 

And  goods  from  thence  be  taken  in  return 
To  suit  the  whim  of  fickle-minded  man. 


THE    CAMEL'S    THOUGHTS  81 

XVI 

Through  burning  sands  and  over  slippery  stones 
We  make  our  toilsome  way  with  sighs  and  groans ; 

To  sate  men's  greed  must  camels  spend  their  lives, 
To  mark  the  road  for  him  leave  whitening  bones. 

XVII 

A  comrade  little  fit  for  us  is  Fear 
While  on  our  lonely  way  we  travel  here, 

But  when  we  find  Fear  pressing  to  our  side 
We  note  that  pain  and  anguish  disappear. 

XVIII 

Blest  that  mirage  whose  magic  charm  can  cheat 
With  show  of  water  dreadful  Syrian  heat, 

That  leads  with  hope  the  faltering  camel  train 
O'er  cruel  sands  that  scorch  the  camels'  feet. 

XIX 

On  desert  route  'tis  not  the  beast  of  prey 
My  master  fears  the  most  by  night,  by  day  ; 

'  Tis  not  the  lion  crouching  in  the  path, 
But  murderous  robber  ambushed  by  the  way. 


82  QBE  YD,    THE    CAMEL    DIUVER 

XX 

Men  sit  with  folded  hands,  they  wait  and  pray 
That  Fortune,  still  indulgent,  turn  their  way ; 

When  hungry  camel  famishes  for  food 
He  stretches  out  his  neck  to  reach  the  hay. 

XXI 

All  creatures  have  their  nature,  each  its  own, 
The  camel  in  the  desert  feeds  alone ; 

The  dog,  invited  to  a  princely  feast, 
Will,  underneath  the  table,  gnaw  a  bone. 

XXII 

The  wild  gazelle,  content  with  scanty  fare, 
Feeds  over  burning  sand  of  desert  bare ; 

'  Tis  not  so  much  she  loves  th'  unfruitful  waste 
As  that  the  foot  of  man  comes  seldom  there. 

XXIII 

When  he  the  failings  of  another  sees, 
My  driver  ready  is  to  carp  at  these ; 

Slow  plodding  on  the  desert's  sandy  road, 
I  meditate  my  own  infirmities. 


THE    CAMEL'S    THOUGHTS  83 

XXIV 

Here  toil  and  need  and  misery  are  rife, 
And  heat  and  dust  and  bitterness  of  strife ; 

At  last  a  bed  upon  the  yielding  sand, 
And  this,  it  seems  to  me,  is  all  of  life. 

XXV 

I  wonder  why  men  cross  the  desert  wide 
And  then  recross  unto  the  former  side  ; 

What  was  the  sandy  waste  created  for 
Except  the  tribes  and  nations  to  divide  ? 

XXVI 

The  starveling  shrub  half  buried  in  the  sand, 
By  feverish  blast  of  hot  sirocco  fanned, 

Gives  from  its  dried  and  crumpled  leaves  the  breath 
Of  bitterness  felt  by  its  native  land. 

XXVII 

No  finger-post  is  needed  for  a  guide 
To  pilgrims  who  across  the  desert  ride, 

From  end  to  end  the  dismal  way  is  marked 
"With  bleaching  bones  of  camels  that  have  died. 


84  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

XXVIII 

Is  it  that  any  power  above  can  be 
Such  to  my  master  as  he  is  to  me, 

Some  sovereign  ruling  mankind  absolute 
Yet  failing  to  avert  man's  destiny  ? 

XXIX 

We  luckless  camels  kneel  upon  the  road 
When  we  take  up  or  when  we  leave  our  load  ; 

My  driver  bows  him  prostrate  in  the  dust,— 
If  nevermore  to  rise,  the  better  mode. 

XXX 

Should  drop  of  rain  fall  in  the  desert  here 
'T  would  instantly  as  vapor  disappear, 

The  happy  drop  that  falls  on  marigold 
Is  folded  to  the  heart  as  treasure  dear. 

XXXI 

The  wind  at  midnight  cold  as  winter  blew. 
The  sunrise  brings  the  summer's  heat  anew, 

In  Kashmir's  vale  the  rose  blooms  all  the  year, 
The  orange  never  bids  the  spring  adieu. 


THE    CAMEL'S    THOUGHTS  86 

XXXII 

In  winter  time  by  Allah's  thoughtful  care 
With  greater  cold  grows  thicker  camel's  hair, 

My  driver  has  to  guard  against  the  frost 
And  purchase  him  a  robe  at  Persian  fair. 

XXXIII 

Poor  silly  grouse  knows  what  a  simple  thing 
It  is  in  desert  drought  to  find  a  spring, 

My  master  would  not  know  which  way  to  fly 
Were  gracious  Heaven  to  give  him  ample  wing. 

XXXIV 

Where  height  of  dangerous  pass  is  to  be  won 
Most  praise  is  his  who  has  the  way  begun, 
For  he  has  not  alone  to  climb  the  way, 
He  also  has  to  show  it  can  be  done. 

XXXV 

In  camp  our  driver  calls,  "  What  of  the  night? 
Is  it  far  spent,  dawns  now  the  eastern  light  ?  " 

"  Yea,  starry  watchers  leave  celestial  post 
As  glorious  day's  outriders  come  in  sight  1" 


86  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

XXXVI 

Of  storm  and  somber  shadows  men  complain, 
With  hope  look  for  bright  sunshine  once  again ; 

My  driver,  sleeping  in  his  desert  tent, 
Has  dream  no  sweeter  than  of  falling  rain. 

XXXVII 

On  burning  sand  spread  under  burning  sky 
From  well  to  well  do  trails  of  traffic  lie, — 

What  cares  the  merchant  that  here  Thirst  abides 
And  watches  famished  caravans  go  by? 

XXXVIII 

Across  the  sand  long  lines  of  camels  wind, 
No  shade,  no  water  and  no  food  they  find; 
How  well  is  desert  guarded  against  Life, 
To  Death  alone  hospitable  and  kind. 

XXXIX 

What  have  I  in  my  toilsome  life  where  all 
Is  daily  drudgery  whate'er  befall  ? 

What  pleasure,  looking  backward  on  the  road?  — 
To  care  for  what's  to  come  is  only  thrall. 


THE    CAMEL'S    THOUGHTS  87 

XL 

In  fragrance  sweet  the  withering  flower  gives 
What  from  its  life  the  desert  shrub  receives; 

'Tis  only  after  death  that  can  be  known 
What  in  me  or  my  driver  chiefly  lives. 

XLI 

By  camel's  foot  or  hoof  of  horse  is  traced 
A  crescent  moon  upon  the  desert  waste, 

Let  lengthened  train  come  slowly  shambling  by 
And  soon  all  sign  of  crescent  is  effaced. 

XLII 

This  weary  waste  of  sand  that  shimmers  so 
As  floor  of  furnace  under  fiery  glow, 

Pales  in  the  moonlight,  and  I  walk  it  then 
As  plodding  over  fields  of  drifted  snow. 

XLIII 

The  robber  rain  that  carries  sands  away 
Collects  in  stagnant  pools  deep  beds  of  clay. 

The  solvent  water  binds  the  desert  dust 
In  sun-dried  walls  defensive  of  Cathay. 


88  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

XLIV 

That  gold  whose  gleam  makes  glad  the  miser's  eyes 
Upon  the  camel's  back  a  burden  lies, 

Makes  wearisome  long  journey  of  the  day 
Than  load  of  quarried  stone  no  otherwise. 

XLV 

My  journey  leads  me  through  a  songless  land, 
Not  e'en  the  cricket's  chirp  on  either  hand ; 

Nor  is  the  silence  of  the  desert  broke 
By  camel's  muffled  footfall  on  the  sand. 

XLVI 

In  haunts  of  men  do  swallows  make  their  home, 
They,  twittering,  fly  round  minaret  and  dome ; 

In  comradeship  with  pestilence  and  death, 
Grim,  silent  vultures  o'er  the  desert  roam. 

XLVII 

My  driver  in  his  human  wisdom  knows 
That  from  life's  labors  death  will  bring  repose, 

And  yet.  with  knowledge  of  both  life  and  death, 
He  comes  through  life  complaining  to  its  close. 


THE    CAMEL'S    THOUGHTS 

XLVIII 

The  meanest  dog,  left  to  himself  to  go 
By  fancy  led  and  coursing  fast  or  slow, 
Has  better  fortune  than  the  lion  has 
That  paces  gilded  prison  to  and  fro. 

XLIX 

To  camel's  thoughts  how  many  a  curious  thing 
The  desert  and  the  market-place  will  bring  I 

Who  serves  one  master  only  —  he  's  a  slave  ; 
Who  is  the  slave  of  millions  —  he 's  a  king. 

L 

On  either  side  our  path  an  ambuscade 
By  hostile  bands  of  circumstance  is  laid, 

With  fewer  risks  the  desert  course  is  run 
As  with  the  greater  speed  the  course  is  made. 

LI 

Stars  disappear  soon  as  the  day  comes  on, 
Invisible  in  brightness  of  the  dawn, 

Fixed  at  their  post,  but  who  can  point  the  way 
By  which  the  vanished  morning  frost  is  gone  ? 


90  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVEK 

LII 

Hot  blows  the  wind  from  out  the  torrid  south, 
Hot  as  the  blast  comes  from  the  furnace  mouth, 

Yet  grateful  to  the  land  to  which  it  goes 
As  mists  from  chilly  north  to  desert  drouth. 

LIII 

Far  on  the  weary  road  my  driver  sees 
Stand  out  against  the  sky  tall  clump  of  trees, 
Rejoicing  at  their  sight  for  well  he  knows 
Cool  springs  of  water  overhung  by  these. 

LIV 

Long  march  is  over,  bells  their  tinkling  cease, 
From  heavy  burden  camel  has  release, 

My  driver,  too,  so  many  dangers  run, 
With  friends  at  last  enjoys  a  grateful  peace. 


O  WELCOME  rest  to  travel-worn  and  sore  I 
O  welcome  sleeping  when  the  march  is  o'er  I 

Is  it  that  life  leads  ever  on  to  death, 
Is  death  a  resting  from  life  evermore  ? 


FROM    THE    DESERT 


FROM    THE    DESEET  93 


WELL    OF    PARTING 

NOT  in  the  city  gate, 

'  Mid  mad  confusion  of  the  crowded  street, 
Where  eager  sellers  wait 

For  eager  buyers  '  mong  the  throng  they  meet, 
Are  words  of  farewell  said  by  man  to  man 
At  ancient  Ispahan. 

With  him  who  goes  abroad 

Through  Persia's  worn-out,  empty,  lonesome  land, 
Upon  the  desert  road 

His  friend  goes,  too,  until  at  length  they  stand 
Beneath  the  tree  where,  through  long  ages  dead, 
Have  farewell  words  been  said. 

There  by  the  wayside  well 

Dug  by  their  ancestors  in  thirsty  plain, 
Whose  stones  worn  deeply  tell 

Of  ropes  let  down,  of  ropes  drawn  up  again, 
They  part,  the  one  on  desert  paths  to  roam 
The  other  going  home. 


94  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

Ah,  who  shall  know  the  end 

Awaiting  either  in  the  coming  years 

When  friend  goes  with  his  friend 

To  well  of  parting,  sad  good-bye,  and  tears  J 

One  forward  goes  a  lone  wayfaring  man, 

One  back  to  Ispahan. 


FROM    THE    DESERT  95 

EL    TEKBIR 

"  Do  ye  year  the  voice  of  angel  or  of  mortal 

Chant  the  praises  of  the  Prophet  far  or  near  ; 
From  the  desert  round  about  us  or  Heaven's  portal, 

Falleth  any  sound  of  worship  on  the  ear  ?  " 
Thus  the  Khalif  questioned  closely  his  attendants 

In  the  still  and  lonely  watches  of  the  night, 
While  the  crescent  of  their  faith  with  its  resplendence 

Rendered  all  the  desert  landscape  ghostly  white. 

"  Not  a  whisper  low  from  angel  lips  or  mortal 

In  the  stillness  of  the  desert  do  we  hear, 
Not  a  strain  of  song  escaping  from  Heaven's  portal 

Cometh  to  the  eager  soul  or  listening  ear." 
Thus  the  soldiers  spake  the  Khalif :  —  by  this  token 

Well  their  chieftain  knew  he  heard  the  low  Tekbir, 
This  it  was  of  which  his  heavenly  guest  had  spoken, 

Sounding  only  to  his  hearing  soft  and  clear. 

Glad  the  Khalif,  —  in  his  light  unquiet  sleeping, 
In  the  deeply  silent  watches  of  the  night, 

To  his  tent  past  guards  their  lonely  vigil  keeping 
All  unseen  had  come  a  messenger  of  light ; 


96  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

By  the  bedside  of  the  Khalif  stood  the  stranger, 
Bade  the  troubled  sleeper  be  of  hearty  cheer, 

For  a  voice  should  lead  his  people  out  of  danger, — 
Voice  that  only  Allah's  chosen  one  could  hear. 

"Follow,"  said  the  stranger,  "  where  that  voice  shall  call 
thee 

Though  it  lead  thee  through  the  desert  wild  and  drear, 
In  obedience  no  evil  can  befall  thee, 

Let  thy  people  also  follow  without  fear  : 
Where  it  stayeth  thou  shalt  found  for  them  a  city, 

War  and  pestilence  shall  nevermore  come  near  ; 
Kise  and  lead  thy  trusting  followers  in  pity, 

Eise  and  listen  for  the  mystical  Tekbir!" 

At  the  dawn  the  Khalif  forward  boldly  riding 

Bore  the  standard  of  the  Prophet  in  the  van, 
Followed  close  upon  his  low  mysterious  guiding, 

Careless  aught  of  earth  or  sky  above  to  scan ; 
When  at  eve  that  mystic  chant  no  longer  sounded 

There  the  tired  legion  halted,  horse  and  man, 
There  the  Kibleh  of  the  Prophet's  faith  was  founded, 

There  was  traced  the  holy  city  of  Kairwan. 


FROM    THE    DESERT  97 


SID    BEL   ABBAS 

Sn>  BEL  ABBAS  good  and  wise,— 
Best  his  soul  in  Paradise — 
Holy,  while  yet  in  the  flesh, 

In  the  guiltless  life  he  led, 
Coming  once  to  Marakesh 

Begged  to  beg  his  daily  bread. 

Sainted  beggars  in  the  gate 
Heard  his  plea  disconsolate, 
Poor  and  scanty  their  supplies 

When  their  needs  were  at  the  least, 
How  could  daily  alms  suffice 

If  their  numbers  were  increased  ? 

For  reply  was  sent  to  him 
Bowl  with  water  to  the  brim, 
This  was  meant  to  indicate 

Eoom  was  none  for  him  to  try, 
Seated  in  the  city  gate, 

Alms  to  ask  of  passers-by. 


98  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

Can  the  bowl  receive  aught  more 
And  the  waters  not  run  o'er? 
"  Will  he  join  the  holy  men 

At  the  gate  and  in  the  tent, 
Let  the  bowl  return  again 

Holding  more  than  they  have  sent." 

Sid  bel  Abbas  then  replies, — 
Best  his  soul  in  Paradise — 
Plucks  a  drooping  desert  rose, 

Lets  it  drink  till  it  is  whole, 
Fresh  the  fragrant  flower  goes 

With  the  water  in  the  bowL 


FKOM    THE    DESERT 


KOSHAIRA 

FEOM  its  rock-encircled  fountain 

Buns  the  river  clear  and  cold, 
Down  the  slope  of  Syrian  mountain, 

Over  sands  of  shining  gold ; 
Bright  the  current  of  Koshaira, 

Dark  its  mystery  of  old 
Linked  with  Kadi  of  Palmyra, 

By  Arabian  poet  told. 

True  the  story,  or  invented, 

Be  it  fact,  or  Fancy's  dream, 
Once  the  Khalif  Mamoun  tented 

By  the  margin  of  the  stream ; 
Musing  on  his  present  duty, 

Idly  watching  sportive  bream, 
Of  a  more  than  common  beauty 

Did  the  fish  to  Mamoun  seem. 


100  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVES 

Summoning  a  trusty  waiter, 

Promised  he  a  rich  reward 
If  that  bream  were  served  him  later 

Smoking  hot  on  evening  board. 
Willingly  the  slave  was  hired ; 

From  the  shallows  of  the  ford 
Soon  he  brought  the  fish  admired, 

Pleased  he  showed  it  to  his  lord. 

While  the  Khalif  idly  lingers, 

Lost  in  wonderment  complete, 
Slips  the  fish  through  idle  fingers, 

To  his  fellows  makes  retreat ; 
In  the  shallow  water  plashes 

Where  the  shore  and  river  meet, 
Chilly  cold  the  bath  he  dashes 

On  the  Arab's  sandalled  feet. 

And  the  touch  of  that  cold  river 
Gives  Mamoun  a  sudden  start, 

Sends  an  evil-boding  shiver 

Through  the  chambers  of  his  heart 


FKOM    THE    DESERT  101 

He  recalls  the  warning  spoken 

"With  the  shrewd  diviner's  art, 
He  recalls  the  promised  token 

To  foreshow  the  fatal  dart. 

Then  did  Mamoun,  cold  and  weary, 

By  the  gloom  of  Fate  oppressed, 
For  the  river's  name  make  query 

Though  its  mystic  sense  he  guessed ; — 
Came  reply  in  soothing  numbers 

To  his  spirit  sore  distressed, 
For  "  Koshaira"  bids  to  slumbers,— 

"  Stretch  thy  feet  out  here  and  rest." 


102  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 


BELFRY    OF    ALEPPO 

UNDERNEATH  the  sky  of  Syria  unclouded, 

Studded  with  the  constellations  burning  bright, 
Lies  the  Bedouin,  in  his  burnous  closely  shrouded, 

On  a  waste  of  sandy  desert  gleaming  white ; 
Bound  about  the  child  of  Ishmaei  soundly  sleeping 

All  the  hungry  packs  of  desert  creatures  prowl, 
"With  a  light  and  stealthy  footstep  softly  creeping, 

Answering  back  the  startled  cry  with  surly  growL 

Not  at  all  the  sleeper  heeds  the  angry  growling, 

So  familiar  is  that  discord  to  his  ear— 
Yell  of  tiger  and  the  hungry  jackal's  howling, 

Cries  of  rage  and  terror,  uttered  far  and  near ; 
But  at  midnight  he  is  wakened  from  his  slumbers 

By  a  human  cry  borne  on  the  desert  air ; 
The  muezzin's  call  in  slow,  harmonious  numbers, 

Seems  to  summon  true  believers  unto  prayer. 


FROM    THE    DESERT  103 

"Pity,  Allah,  pity  us!  "  the  voice  is  crying; 

"  Have  compassion  on  our  weakness  in  Thy  might; 
Show  us  pity,  Lord,  who  art  Thyself  undying, 

Us  who  daily  fall  and  perish  in  Thy  sight  I " 
Strange  the  cry  itself,  and  no  less  strange  the  hour, 

Nowhere  else  was  ever  midnight  summons  heard, — 
'Tis  the  ancient  calling  from  Aleppo's  tower, 

From  the  days  of  Omar  cried  in  Grecian  word. 

When  the  Moslem  under  Khaled  fierce  assailing 

Drove  the  Christians  from  their  altars  and  their  homes, 
Then  the  Prophet's  faith  and  worship,  all  prevailing, 

Changed  to  Sunnee  mosques  their  consecrated  domes. 
Blotted  out  the  pictures  on  the  wall  and  ceiling, 

Broke  the  figures  from  the  mortar  and  the  stone, 
From  the  belfry,  for  the  chime's  accordant  pealing, 

Sent  the  loud  muezzin's  call  in  plaintive  tone. 

Thus  did  fare  the  church  of  holy  Zacharias 
When  Aleppo  fell  into  the  Moslem's  care. 

Then  the  old,  fanatic  Khaled,  sternly  pious, 
Sent  aloft  to  call  the  faithful  unto  prayer ; 


104  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

And  a  servant  quick  responding  to  his  token, 

Climbed  the  staircase  till  its  upper  stage  was  found, 

But  before  his  lips  the  holy  name  had  spoken, 

Strangely  had  he  fallen  headlong  to  the  ground. 

Quick  the  order  was  repeated  by  the  master, 

Prompt  a  follower  responded  to  the  call, 
Up  the  dizzy  staircase  mounting  fast  and  faster, 

He  was  all  the  sooner  coming  to  his  fall. 
Then  the  captain  for  the  third  time  gave  his  order, 

Bade  a  trusty  guardsman  to  the  belfry  go, 
In  obedience  turned  away  the  veteran  warder,  — 

First  he  knelt  in  prayer  within  the  church  below. 

While  the  pious  Moslem  proffered  his  petition, 

Praying  to  escape  the  death  his  comrades  died, 
Came  the  holy  Zacharias,  says  tradition, 

Stood  and  listened  with  compassion  at  his  side. 
Then  the  vision  bade  the  warder  to  the  tower, 

Promised  safety  for  one  act  of  faith  alone ; 
Let  muezzins  evermore  at  midnight  hour 

For  this  sacrilege  the  litany  intone. 


FROM    THE    DESEET  105 

Thus  it  is  that  through  each  lengthening  generation 

Handed  down  has  been  the  ancient  Christian  prayer ; 
Thus  it  is  that  at  Aleppo's  lonely  station 

Still  muezzins  mount  each  night  the  belfry  stair. 
"  Pity,  Allah,  pity  I  "  still  the  voice  is  crying, 

"  Have  compassion  on  our  weakness  in  Thy  might; 
Show  us  pity,  Lord,  who  art  Thyself  undying, 

Us  who  daily  fall  and  perish  in  Thy  sight ! " 


106  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 


THE    DESERT    STREAM 

BOBN  of  the  winter's  snow 

Over  Syrian  mountain  spread, 
In  the  heat  of  the  summer's  glow 

When  the  sun  burns  overhead  ; 
On  the  mountain's  shoulder  high, 
In  the  blue  fields  of  the  sky 

When  the  moon  hangs  low 

And  the  staid  stars  go 
Their  unheralded  marches  by. 

Feeling  the  pulses  strong 

Of  a  new  and  unworn  life, 
How  the  torrent  rushes  along 

In  the  maddened  frenzy  of  strife  I 
Impatient  the  waters  stay, 
Gladly  they  hurry  away, 

And  merry  their  song 

As  they  hasten  along 
Whether  by  night  or  by  day. 


FROM    THE    DESERT  107 


Leaping  adown  the  rocks, 

Over  broken  masses  of  ledge, 
Baffled  by  frequent  shocks 

Do  they  come  to  the  cataract's  edge ; 
Headlong  plunging  they  go 
Into  the  basin  below 

Where  the  glassy  pool, 

Fern-shaded  and  cool, 
Sleeps  on  in  the  noontide  glow. 

Hither  the  lioness  leads 

Through  the  tangled  border  of  wood, 
Crawling  among  the  reeds, 

Her  thirsty  and  famishing  brood  ; 
Daintily  setting  her  paw, 
Greedily  licking  her  jaw, 

Now  she  laps  the  flood 

As  she  lapped  the  blood 
Of  the  slain  kid,  reeking  and  raw. 


108  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 


With  a  low  and  angry  growl 

She  answers  the  leopard's  cry, 
The  yell,  the  snarl,  and  the  howl 

Of  the  tigress  prowling  nigh  ; 
From  the  desert  these  come  to  the  brink 
Of  the  mountain  river  to  drink  ; 

Having  lapped  their  fill. 

All  surly  and  still 
Back  to  the  jungle  they  slink. 

Even  the  palm  trees  tall, 

Oleanders  fair  as  a  dream 
Owe  their  loveliness  all 

To  the  generous-hearted  Stream ; 
Crowding  close  to  its  side 
Heeds  and  rushes  abide, 

And  they  drink  their  fill 

Of  the  waters  so  still 
That  tinder  their  shadow  hide. 


FROM    THE    DESERT  109 


By  the  scorching  breezes  fanned 

From  the  desert's  feverish  breath, 
Drunk  by  the  hissing  sand 

In  the  hideous  valley  of  death ; 
From  its  oozy  channel  strayed 
The  seething  current  is  stayed, 

And  'tis  lost  at  last 

In  the  desert  so  vast 
'  Neath  the  withering  myrtle's  shade. 


110  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

ZULEEKA 
INTO  exile  from  thee  am  I  driven,  Zule'lka, 

Zuleika,  my  pearl,  my  rich  treasure ; 
I  am  driven  to  the  desert  to  die,  Zule'ika, 

Zuleika,  my  pearl,  my  rich  treasure ; 
To  gazelles  all  my  trouble  I've  told,  Zule'lka, 

Zuleika,  my  pearl,  my  rich  treasure ; 
The  gazelles  have  my  trouble  but  mocked,  Zule'ika, 

Zuleika,  my  pearl,  my  rich  treasure. 
******* 
In  mirage  I  behold  thee  again,  Zuleika, 

Zuleika,  my  peri  from  heaven ; 
But,  alas !  from  me  flies  the  mirage,  Zuleika, 

Zule'ika,  my  peri  from  heaven. 
With  a  thirst  that's  consuming  I  burn,  Zuleika, 

Zule'ika,  my  peri  from  heaven ; 
No,  the  thirst  for  thy  kisses  it  is,  Zule'ika, 

Zuleika,  my  peri  from  heaven. 
I  drink  and  I  live ;  —  lo,  a  garden  of  pleasures  I 

Zule'ika,  my  peri  from  heaven ; 
'  Tis  paradise  !  gladly  for  thee  do  I  perish, 

Zule'ika,  my  peri  from  heaven ! 


FROM    THE    DESERT  111 


THE    PHANTOM    TRAIN 

IN  peace  was  pitched  the  pilgrim  tent 

Upon  the  desert  sand, 
Beside  the  track  where  pilgrims  went 

To  Mecca's  holy  land  ; 
And  in  the  fading  of  the  day, 

The  coming  of  the  night, 
At  peace  poor  weary  pilgrims  lay 

In  Allah's  watchful  sight. 

But  one,  the  patriarch  of  them  all, 

As  Abraham  of  yore, 
Sat,  watching  folds  of  darkness  fall, 

Beside  the  low  tent  door ; 
And,  as  along  the  dusky  road 

He  strained  his  feeble  sight, 
From  out  the  gloom  a  figure  strode 

Close  shrouded  all  in  white. 


112  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

It  was  the  leader  of  a  train, 

As  of  a  pilgrim  band, 
Slow  winding  over  desert  plain 

Towards  the  holy  land ; 
A  train  of  camels  laden  sore 

Came  through  the  misty  night, 
The  burdens  on  their  backs  they  bore 

With  funeral  palls  were  dight. 

No  sound  of  footfall  on  the  sand, 

Of  tinkling  bell  no  sound, 
The  old  man  watched  the  coming  band 

In  mystery  profound ; 
He  rose  to  greet  it  drawing  near  — 

It  loomed  against  the  sky — 
"  Peace  1 "  spake  the  old  man  without  fear, 

And  "  Peace!  "  the  calm  reply. 

"As  Allah  willed,  the  daylight  went, 

The  day  will  come  again, 
Best  thou  this  night  within  my  tent, 

And  rest  thy  weary  train  ; 


FROM    THE    DESERT  118 

His  love  will  pious  pilgrims  keep 

Long  as  life's  road  they  fare, 
And  when  at  last  they  fall  asleep 

They  sleep  in  Allah's  care." 

"  Nay,  urge  me  not,"  the  leader  said, 

'  Tis  time  my  train  should  go, 
'  Tis  theirs  to  bear  the  Moslem  dead 

O'er  deserts  to  and  fro  ; 
The  faithful  who  abroad  have  died 

May  rest  in  holy  place, 
To  faithless  Meccans  is  denied 

This  share  in  Allah's  grace. 

"  On  earth  it  seems  to  mortal  eyes 

That  night  must  follow  day, 
But  to  the  realms  of  Paradise 

The  world  is  light  for  aye  ; 
We  travel  in  that  selfsame  light 

Along  a  lighted  way, 
And  spirits  waiting  wished-for  sight 

Forbid  that  we  should  stay. 


114  OBEYD,    THE    CAMEL    DRIVER 

"  This  time  we  bring  from  distant  Spain 

Heroic  ones  who  fell 
Fierce  fighting  on  Grenada's  plain 

Against  the  infidel ; 
And  of  that  number  there  is  one  — 

A  young,  a  beauteous  boy  — 
The  mother  waits  her  darling  son, 

We  stay  that  mother's  joy." 

The  old  man  asks  the  glorious  name, 
And  then  entreaties  cease  ; 

He  bids  the  leader,  as  he  came, 
"  With  Allah  go  in  peace  !  " 

The  name  that  falls  upon  his  ears 
Is  a  familiar  one. 

Kept  sacred  through  life's  closing  years  — 
That  of  his  youngest  son. 


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